New Years Life Goals

As we have crossed the mark into 2019, I would like to talk about my perspective on New Years Resolutions. For years, I set ridiculously un-achievable goals for myself on New Years. I would expect myself to do the same thing every day without fail for the entire year. Sometimes they were guided by weight, appearance, or something I had no control over. My best successes were when I set reasonable, achievable goals for myself and gave myself lots of room for failure.

Setting Goals

In order to set a goal I will actually achieve this year, I start by thinking about my big picture. What do I want to achieve this year? What direction do I want to push myself toward? Long term, I'm working toward buying a house, being environmentally conscious, as well as being healthy so I can enjoy active adventures like zip lining, ice skating, and hiking.

Next, I begin to set some small goals that will push me toward that picture I've created of my future.  As a special education teacher, I start by making goals the same way I monitor progress for my students. I use SMART goals which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Bound. In this way, goals can be evaluated. I can then be sure to recognize myself when they are achieved. I also set a series of SMART objectives or mini goals in order to help see the action I will need to take to achieve my goals.

Goal: I will lose weight.

SMART Goal: I will lose one pound per week for 15 weeks.
- Objective 1: I will walk for at least 30 minutes three times a week.
- Objective 2: I will log my food and stay within a 2000 calorie limit for 5 of 7 days.

Much of the time, New Years goals are centered around weight loss, but there are many different types of goals that can help you achieve your picture. I've tried multiple different types of goals over the years.

• Boost Confidence: wear makeup, dress for success, journal, positive affirmations.
• Reduce stress: increase self-care practices (yoga, meditation, hot bath, etc), confront problems, journal, talk with someone.
• Increase savings: meal plan, pay freeze month, grocery shop twice a month.

Working Toward Goals

My biggest struggle as I create these goals is carrying them out. I look great the first few days. I create a spreadsheet or checklist, crossing off each objective. I measure my progress and reward myself when I'm doing good. Unfortunately, when I stop doing well or I miss a few days of tracking, my stamina can quickly disappear.

This year, I looked at a weight loss app I've been using for over 5 years now. I can punch in weight loss since I first began. It is amazingly reassuring to see, even if the dots are moving up this past week, they're still moving down this past year. Remembering that each mistake or misstep does not make or break the end goal is important for me in maintaining my work. As one of my favorite Disney characters say, "Just keep swimming."

Achieving Goals

When I finally make my goals, I like to take joy in my achievement. No matter what I set out to do, taking a moment to feel the progress feels great. Sometimes I do that in my journal. Other times I humbly let slip to a friend or family member what I've accomplished and revel in their praises. No matter how I do it, appreciating even the little efforts helps to keep me going on the next project I start to work on.

My Goals This Year

As I said earlier, I'm working on buying a house, being environmentally conscious, and being healthy. In making my goals, I'm going to focus on being healthy for the next few months. Focusing on one aspect at a time helps to keep me from being overwhelmed. I also like to name each goal area because I think it's fun.

Getting Stronger Goal: I will be able to keep up with my sister on a hike for one hour.

• How I'm going to measure it: Continue to do activities that keep me moving or watch as I feel stronger doing these things. 
• When is my deadline: Walk a 5K with my sister in April. 
• What will I do to get there: 
• Walk 3 times per week for at least a half hour.
• Do a mini workout routine daily.
• Include more active things in my life like jump rope, bike riding, boxing, etc.
• Have fun with moving and being active. 

Happy Mind Goal: I will feel less stress or anxiety.

• How I'm going to measure it: My bullet journal page
• When is my deadline: Next year. 
• What will I do to get there: 
• Journal about my emotions.
• Include self-care in my routine.
• Talk to someone about what is bothering me.
• Blog or write creatively once a week. 

Healthy Body Goal: I will eat 4 helpings of fruits & veggies per day. 

• How I'm going to measure it: Log my food in an app. *More on this later.
• When is my deadline: My birthday in April.
• What will I do to get there:
• Meal plan my week.
• Pack lunches ahead of time.
• Buy fresh produce often. 

Best of luck to you in creating your goals this 2019!